Catechism 2 becomes a habit

Local theatergoers looking for something to do on a Monday night can rest easily. Catechism classes are open once more.

That’s “Late Nite Catechism 2,” the dark-night entertainment that’s been offered at the Laguna Playhouse for the past few years.

The current offering is a sequel of sorts to the original “Late Nite Catechism,” which opened in the fall of 2003 and has kept on going and going, somewhat like the Energizer Bunny.

And, for those whose Monday nights are filled with other activities, Sister will be available for instruction on selected Sunday evenings as well.

The original “Late Nite Catechism” ? in which an actress in a nun’s habit conducts classes in the Catholic faith for her students, the audience ? is being presented at various theaters from coast to coast. It’s the brainchild of Maripat Donovan (who opened the Laguna presentation) and Vicki Quade and intended as a sendup of parochial school instruction.

“Late Nite Catechism” spawned the current offering, “Late Nite Catechism 2,” which actually is funnier than the original version. Sister’s ruler-enforced rapport with her audience has kept a number of playgoers returning for second or third helpings of her opinionated curriculum.

Over the past holiday season, Sister returned to Laguna for a special “Late Nite” session entitled “Sister’s Christmas Catechism.” This piece, even more audience-involved than the other two, became a search for the missing gold that the Magi brought to Bethlehem ? and the revelation that one of the playgoers enlisted to enact the mystery actually was the culprit.

“Late Nite Catechism 2” will be performed at Laguna on the Monday evenings of April 24, May 1 and 8 and June 5, 12, 19 and 26. Special sabbath stagings are scheduled for the Sunday evenings of April 23 and 30, May 7 and June 4, 11 and 18.

There are still tickets available for remaining 2005-2006 “Late Nite Catechism 2” performances. However, the playhouse announced, tickets for the new 2006-2007 season are only available as add-ons with the purchase of a 2006-2007 season subscription.

To catch one of Sister’s upcoming visits from now through the end of June, with or without a season ticket, contact the playhouse at (949) 497-2787.hbi.24-titus-BPhotoInfoK61PERAE20060331gzgnh2ke(LA)cpt.31-titus-BPhotoInfoK61PEPH020060331ij8u4skn(LA)Maripat Donovan plays Sister in ‘Late Nite Catechism 2.’